In June of 2025, we found ourselves once again in Fredericksburg, Virginia. During this visit, we decided to do a bit more research to identify some of the historical and haunted locations so that we made a point to stop at them all. One of these locations was the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop.

When we traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, we had a clear goal in mind—to explore the city’s rich history and see for ourselves some of the places that have become well known for their ghostly legends. This part of Virginia is deeply tied to early American history, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, and we could feel that sense of the past almost immediately as we drove into town. The streets are lined with old brick buildings and preserved homes that have stood through centuries of triumph and tragedy.

Fredericksburg is one of those towns where history doesn’t just sit quietly in museums—it breathes through every corner and doorway. Each block seemed to hold its own story, and many of those stories include strange encounters, lingering energies, and whispers of the people who once lived here. That combination of history and the paranormal is exactly what draws us to places like this.

Our plan for the day was to visit several locations that fall right within the downtown area. We didn’t have to drive far between stops—everything was within walking distance. The three main sites we focused on were the Rising Sun Tavern, the Mary Washington House, and the Hugh Mercer Apothecary. Each place offered its own blend of historical charm and rumored hauntings, and together they painted a vivid picture of Fredericksburg’s layered past.

We began our visit at The Rising Sun Tavern, one of the city’s most iconic colonial buildings. It was originally built in the 1760s by Charles Washington, the younger brother of George Washington. The tavern quickly became a social center, serving travelers, soldiers, and townsfolk alike. Standing outside the building, we could easily imagine the clatter of horses on the street, the smell of ale, and the sound of laughter spilling from the old wooden doorway.

The Rising Sun Tavern is also known for its paranormal claims. Visitors and staff have reported footsteps on the upper floors, doors closing on their own, and cold spots that seem to move through the halls. Even though we were visiting during the day, the building seemed to carry a quiet energy—a stillness that felt watchful. We filmed a bit around the exterior, capturing its colonial architecture and the atmosphere that comes with centuries of untold stories.

From there, we walked just a few blocks to the Mary Washington House. This home once belonged to George Washington’s mother and is a deeply meaningful historic site. Mary Ball Washington lived here during her later years, and the house is filled with stories about her life and the visits from her famous son. The gardens and pathways are well kept, and as we explored the grounds, it was easy to picture her walking slowly through the same spaces in quiet reflection.

The Mary Washington House also carries its share of ghost stories. Some say Mary herself still lingers, protective of her home and the memories it holds. Visitors have reported seeing a woman in period clothing standing near the windows or moving through the garden before vanishing. While we didn’t see anything unusual, we could certainly feel how peaceful yet emotionally charged the property was. There’s something about being in a place so personally tied to one of America’s most iconic families that makes time feel thinner somehow.

Our next stop was the Hugh Mercer Apothecary, another incredible piece of Fredericksburg’s history. This building served as both a medical shop and office for Dr. Hugh Mercer, who was not only a respected physician but also a general during the Revolutionary War. The apothecary is known for its collection of old medical tools, herbs, and remedies—some of which might make modern visitors shudder. It’s a direct window into the practices of 18th-century medicine.

When we arrived, however, we discovered that a private tour group was inside, and they had the location to themselves for the afternoon. It was a little disappointing that we couldn’t go inside, but that’s part of traveling to popular historic sites—sometimes timing just doesn’t line up. Still, we decided to make the best of it and spent some time filming outside, capturing shots of the building’s facade and the beautiful little garden that surrounds it.

Even from the outside, the Hugh Mercer Apothecary had a certain feel about it. The old brick, the hand-painted signage, and the narrow windows all seemed to whisper of another time. As we talked about its history for our video, we couldn’t help but imagine what kinds of events those walls had witnessed—both the healing and the heartbreak that must have taken place inside. Stories suggest that some of Dr. Mercer’s patients never left and that the spirits of those lost may still linger.

Not far from the apothecary is the Hugh Mercer Monument, which we also made sure to visit. The monument honors Dr. Mercer’s bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Princeton in 1777, where he was fatally wounded. Standing before it, surrounded by the quiet of the nearby cemetery and the trees, was a humbling experience. It’s one of those moments where history feels tangible—where you can almost hear the echoes of the past if you stand still long enough.

We then walked a short distance uphill to visit the Mary Washington Monument as well. The two sites, so close together, felt spiritually connected. Both Mary Washington and Hugh Mercer played important roles in the Revolutionary era, and both are remembered with reverence here in Fredericksburg. We took time to reflect, take some photographs, and appreciate how much history is packed into such a small area of the city.

As we wrapped up our day, we couldn’t help but feel how alive Fredericksburg’s history is. Each of these locations tells a different story, but together they form a powerful narrative of early America—its struggles, its heroes, and its ghosts. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, there’s no denying that the energy of this place is something special.

Later, when we reviewed our footage, we noticed just how atmospheric each site appeared on camera. The sunlight filtered through the old windows, the creak of wood underfoot, and the faint breeze through the gardens all seemed to capture the essence of the past. These are the kinds of places that make Our Haunted Travels what it is—a blend of storytelling, discovery, and a deep respect for the echoes of history.

Fredericksburg left us with a sense of wonder and a promise to return. There were still places we hadn’t yet explored, stories we hadn’t told, and maybe even spirits waiting to share their side of the story. For us, it wasn’t just a history trip—it was a step deeper into the living memory of a town that refuses to forget its past.